Simon Thompson, Royal Mail: It is now the right time to hand over to a new CEO

Simon Thompson has informed the Board of his intention to step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Mail. He believes that, following the negotiators’ agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU, it is the right time for the company to move forward under new leadership.

Simon Thompson joined the company as a Non-Executive Director in 2017 and was appointed as CEO of Royal Mail in January 2021.

The Board is in advanced stages of appointing a new CEO, and Simon Thompson has agreed to remain with the business until 31 October 2023 as part of the transition. Chairman of IDS, Keith Williams, will be providing additional oversight and support alongside his Board colleagues through this period. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Keith Williams, Chairman of IDS, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Simon for his significant contribution over more than five years at Royal Mail, both as CEO and previously as a Non-Executive Director of the Board. As CEO, his leadership, resilience and unwavering drive to ensure that Royal Mail transforms for the benefit of our customers means we have set a clear path to turn the business around. We are grateful for his dedication and what he has achieved at the company, and wish him well for the future.”

Simon Thompson said: “I have been incredibly proud to lead Royal Mail during this crucial period in its 507 year history. The changes we have made, the infrastructure we have put in place, and the agreements negotiated with our trade unions mean that Royal Mail now has a chance to compete and grow. That is what I have always wanted, and it is now the right time to hand over to a new CEO to deliver the next stage of the company’s reinvention. I would like to thank my team for their support during a difficult and important time of change.”